James A. Banks

Kerry and Linda Killinger Endowed Chair in Diversity Studies
University of Washington, Seattle

Topic:

Diversity and Citizenship Education in Multicultural Nations

Date:

02/16/2012

In photo: James A. Banks (right) with William Damon (center) and Robert Joseph, S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation Foundation (left)

Immigration is increasing racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistics, and religious diversity in nations around the world, which is challenging existing concepts of citizenship and citizenship education. In this lecture, Professor Banks will describe how various nations around the world are dealing with citizenship and educational issues related to immigrant groups and diversity. He will also describe why nation-states and schools need to construct novel ideas about citizenship and citizenship education that accommodate new population groups as well as foster national unity. He will present his ideas regarding transformative citizenship education, which helps students to develop cultural, national, and global identifications and the knowledge and skills needed to participate in reflective citizen action.